Registering your aircraft in the U.S. is a seemingly minor paperwork item that you may not think about during the heady hunt for a business jet. But unless the registration is properly handled, that aircraft you buy might not be legal to fly.

Just a few years ago, customers had fewer options in outfitting their aircraft. But the consumerization of business aviation and technological innovations have resulted in a huge range of choices in furnishings and entertainment and communication equipment.

Taking delivery of a business jet is exciting, but maintaining that excitement can be tough, given the daunting work that awaits. Putting aside practical considerations-such as hiring a management company, finding a crew and hangar space and preparing the aircraft for operations-a host of legal, tax, risk-management and financial decisions require attention.

Managing construction of a hangar or leasing an existing one isn't as easy as you might think. You may face obstacles ranging from local zoning laws to FAA regulations to insurer mandates. Here's what you need to consider.

After carefully analyzing your travel patterns, budget and a host of other factors, you've concluded that you need an aircraft. Now comes a decision that can be at least as tough: Should you buy new or used?

When you tell your charter provider, fractional rep or chief pilot that you want to fly to Miami, don't be surprised if you land at Miami International Airport. After all, that's where you said you wanted to go.

"If I took a private jet to Boca, I could save a whole travel day on both ends." When a thought like this pops into your head, it can trigger a process that ends up as a thoroughly memorable experience-or one fraught with frustration. As with most things, the more time you spend in the beginning, the better you'll come out in the end.